Golden Banh Mi — Restaurant in Aurora

So this place is really new, just opened a few weeks ago, but they are from the same family that run the Vietnamese restaurant next door (also a great joint). They are just across the H-Mart in Parker so it's easy to access if you're in the area shopping for Asian groceries. It's great to have a strictly banh-mi place like this solely dedicated for sandwiches and baked goods. It's like a modern cafe but for Vietnamese sandwich if you just want a drink and a sandwich. Sometimes when you order from a Vietnamese restaurant just for a takeout sandwich, feels weird waiting along with people dining it, this places makes it easier to just get banh mi. Their menu is very short and straightforward, so its easy to pick. I like that they put their main offering and goes hard, and really knock it out of the park, instead of having a whole lot of offering. It's perfect for quick bite or lunch and dinner takeouts. I gave the atmosphere a 4 because the place is neat and wide open, but in many ways it looks just like a normal area. Service is great. When I went it no one was around (partially because they're new) so food was quick and didn't have to wait long. Brandon was very knowledgeable and gave me free samples of meat to try plus complimentary drink.

The food though is amazing. It's like traditional banh-mi, but modern approach. First they make and bake their own bread so it is fresh; it is soft unlike a lot of the baguettes other Viet restaurants (where your cut your mouth). It is about the same size serving as other places. The sandwiches have all the trimmings of your regular banh mi, but comes with side of dipping sauce like au jus/French dip. I ordered the pork belly. It was seasoned with char siu and was really soft. I like that it's not too soft, but close to as melt in your mouth and still have a good meaty texture because it still has a lot of meat (not just fat) as braised pork belly should have. The dipping sauce is coconut milk curry ...and at first didn't think it would go well, but it actually did. It curry was sweet and creamy (it was easy to pour onto the bite) and it complimented the sandwich flavor really well. Jalapenos are spicy and it's perfect (a lot of restaurants rely too much to sauce for heat). I haven't ordered the other items but the other sandwiches are similar: pho-beef (beef broiled in pho broth, with a dipping sauce that is pho broth based), breaded shrimp and chicken-katsu. They do have unique offerings like Korean steak and kimchee (it's like bulgogi in banh mi) and a vegetarian offering of lemongrass tofu and mushroom (looks good from the website, I might try in the future). If you are unsure, ask them for a sample before you order so you know what you're expecting. You can also add more meat for a price. They gave me extra to try and honestly it was awesome. The only issue is when you take the bite, there's so much it got a little messy because it was coming off the bun. Otherwise it was really good. Price is very similar to other places that serve banh-mi in the area.

The drinks are very straightforward. They have bottled drinks Thai tea (sweet), Viet coffee, and a soda fountain.

Tldr: This place is new but they offer amazing banh mi that taste old school but with modern flavors. Good for dine in and take out. Only open for lunch and early dinner (12-8, Tu-Su). Give them a try, esp. if you're hungry after...

Golden Banh Mi: A Vietnamese Culinary Gem

Golden Banh Mi is a delightful oasis for sandwich enthusiasts and lovers of Vietnamese cuisine alike. Nestled in a cozy spot, this shop offers an authentic and memorable dining experience that stands out in the bustling cityscape.

From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with the inviting aroma of freshly baked baguettes and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The décor is simple yet charming, reflecting the cultural heritage of Vietnam with tasteful accents and a clean, welcoming space.

Food Quality and Variety: The star of the show is, without a doubt, the Banh Mi sandwiches. Golden Banh Mi boasts an impressive variety of options, each crafted with the freshest ingredients. The bread is perfectly crispy on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside – a true testament to their commitment to quality. The classic Banh Mi, with its savory pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, is a must-try. For those looking for something different, the tofu and lemongrass chicken options are equally delectable, catering well to vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Taste and Presentation: Each sandwich is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements creates an explosion of taste with every bite. The ingredients are meticulously layered, ensuring that each mouthful is a perfect mix of all components. The presentation is neat and appetizing, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Service and Atmosphere: The staff at Golden Banh Mi are courteous and efficient, always ready to offer recommendations or customize orders to suit individual preferences. The service is quick without compromising on quality, making it an excellent choice for both a leisurely lunch or a quick bite on the go. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a perfect spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet meal alone.

Value for Money: Golden Banh Mi offers great value for money. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are reasonable considering the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Whether you’re a student on a budget or someone looking for a satisfying meal, you’ll find that your money is well spent here.

Overall Experience: Golden Banh Mi is a true gem in the sandwich shop scene. Its dedication to authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and excellent service make it a standout choice for anyone craving a delicious Banh Mi. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Vietnamese cuisine or new to the delights of Banh Mi, this shop promises a dining experience that will leave you...

Update: The Golden Boys do the damn thing here!!! 🙌 They don't skimp on anything... quality, quantity, generosity and kindness they do it ALL 100% every single time. The first bite makes your shoulders shimmy because the happy food dance is immediate and uncontrollable. Thank you guys for another amazing lunch! xx

Let's start with the service here... absolutely incredible! The guys behind the counter are top notch and I'd come back for this just on its own. Aside from being so genuinely friendly they even keep track of your name so that when you're walking out they thank you by name. The restaurant itself is super clean and has character displayed in the art on the walls and the decorations. This is an order at the counter place but they spare nothing when you dine in with the presentation of the food plating. OK so on to the actual food... damn this is a good sammich! I had the pho-rench dip (I see what you did there) and it was killer. Super fresh veggies, tender slow cooked beef, perfect amount of siracha/hoisen sauce, crispy and chewy fresh baguette paired with a rich savory pho broth. Sigh.... I'm gonna dream about this sammich for days after my second half is gone. Hubs had the roasted pork belly and they threw in a side of the curry sauce because I'm convinced they know it's crazy addictive. Look the Golden Boys know what they are doing here, I couldn't have asked for a better 1st time experience. Bravo...